DALLAS CONFERENCES 2016

I was in Dallas for the anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination, as I have been every year but one since 2005. Since I did not go in 2015, it felt good to be back in Dallas. Of course, it was odd to be there without the Coalition on Political Assassinations and nothing to organize.

First stop: Mansfield, Texas for the meeting of the Continuing Inquiry. I had never been to this event, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. I got to meet, for the first time Gary Shaw of Cover-Up fame. I liked him instantly and he ended up picking up Dissenting Views and Dissenting Views II. Incredibly nice man. Same could be said for Chris Gallop, who arranges the conference with great care and aplomb.

Russ Baker: avoids eye contact.

Next stop: the Adolphus Hotel, where the Lancer conference is going on. I've never been to the Lancer conference so it was interesting to observe. Got a chance to speak at length with Jerry Policoff, which was nice and productive. Met Marie Fonzi, who was great. Had dinner with Marie and Jim DiEugenio. Hadn't seen Jim in person since we shot his interview for King Kill 63 at the 13th Sign production headquarters in L.A. Talked Trump, parapolitics, movies, and of course Gaeton. Saw some other friends, a few enemies, made some new friends, and then there was the big screening for THE SEARCHERS.

Russ Baker: studiously avoids eye contact.

Problem: my buddy Richard Bartholomew is speaking at the Judy Baker conference. It's only a few blocks down from the Adolphus, so I walk over on a brisk morning to sneak into the conference hall. I see Richard and we walk over to see Ed Tatro before he gives his talk. Knowing that it's best for me keep my head down, I end up sitting in Richard's seat at his own table while he gives his talk.

The talk is dynamite.

Russ Baker: not present, but probably avoiding eye contact anyway.

On Monday, 11/21/2016, THE SEARCHERS enjoys its world premiere at the Texas Theatre.

Russ Baker: not present. Definitely avoids eye contact.

Some photos from around town and at the moment of silence, 11/22/1963.

I'll be back as usual next year.